“We acknowledge that there are shortcomings in the existing structure of governance over the two islands. We would like to see a fair and just resolution to these problems. We earnestly wish for that solution not to include the practical break-up of what has come to be known as “The Federation,” Prime Minister Douglas told over 100 persons attending a Round Table discussion to discuss the future relationship between the Island of St. Kitts and the Island of Nevis.

Dr. Douglas said there is not much support in the region or elsewhere for a so-called “break up” of the Federation at this time and that several influential agencies and organisations have made clear that they will at the appropriate time make public their unease over what is happening today in the Federation.

He said a Special Envoy of the United Nations has said there would be difficulties in admitting an independent Nevis immediately to the body of nations, “because two fundamental criteria that normally would motivate such, would be an attempt of a State to emerge from its colonial status, which doesn’t apply in this case and full assurance of the body that the new state would be able to sustain itself economically and otherwise.”

Dr. Douglas said the Commonwealth Heads of Government were alarmed that the smallest nation in the Western Hemisphere, a member of the Commonwealth was at the moment going through the pains of working out the relationship that may lead to two separate independent nations – St. Kitts and Nevis, one of about 10,000 people in population, the other being about 38,000.

He said Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Government of the United States had all issued separate statements indicating that though they recognise the constitutional rights of the people of Nevis to advance, it does not prefer the secession opf Nevis from St. Kitts and Nevis.

“St. Kitts and Nevis is not a law onto itself. We are an inter-dependent territory that relies heavily on the goodwill of other nations and agencies of influence. Neither our actions nor utterances should ever be perceived as saying in effect ‘to hell with what others think’ on this planet,” said Prime Minister Douglas, forewarning: “that the break-up of the Federation would not be looked upon favorably by the regional and international community.”

“One ought not to assume that relations with foreign states and external agencies are automatic. The foreign policy of many countries is based today on domestic interests and small states such as St. Kitts or Nevis would have to demonstrate to a prospective ally the benefits that would be derived from such an alliance,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

He called for the future relationship of the Federal Government and the Nevis Island Administration to be discussed in a constructive but realistic manner.

“Now is not the time for legal gazing. Now is not the time for attempting to right perceived historical wrongs. We should not suffer today from the mistakes of our colonial past,” said Dr. Douglas, who said there need to come up with a formula that is workable and which is acceptable to the people of Nevis and the people of St. Kitts.

“I have stated repeatedly the policy and position of the Federal Government. We do understand and we do recognise the right of the people of Nevis, as enshrined in our constitution, but we would prefer that integrity of our union be not tampered with,” emphasised Prime Minister Douglas.

He stated firmly that the contentious issues and shortcomings of the existing relationship can be hammered out without destroying many years of painstaking hard work.

“We are familiar with the position of the Nevis Island Administration. We are familiar with the positions of the two main opposition parties in the Federation. We need now, with your help and guidance, to narrow down our options and equally important to set ourselves a realistic and reasonable time frame,” Prime Minister Douglas told the gathering of Federal and Nevis Island Administration officials and representatives of political, parties, and other non-government and civil society.

Nevis Premier, Hon. Vance Amory also made an opening statement.